Del Hendricks and REMINIC N DUNIT Lead After First Day of Open Competition at 2004 National Reining Breeder’s Classic -- KATY, TEXAS – April 21, 2004 ---- Del Hendricks and Reminic N Dunit set the bar high on Wednesday when they scored a 227 during the first day of go-round competition in the Open Division at the 2004 National Reining Breeder’s Classic.

Wowing the crowd at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center, Hendricks and the five-year-old Hollywood Dun It son took the first step in defending the open championship they earned at the 2003 NRBC. Owned by Tim and Colleen McQuay and David and Bonnie Silva, Reminic N Dunit It is a horse that has the respect of his rider.

“I like him because he has so much ability,” said Hendricks, a three-time champion of the NRBC. “He felt so strong in the circles and this big pen fits him. He’s real aggressive and he likes to work so I just get out there and make him go fast”.

Currently in second place with a score of 224 was 2003 NRHA Futurity Champion Duane Latimer riding Sage Brush Whiz (by Topsail Whiz) owned by Jim Ward. Holding third with a 222.5 is Tom McCutcheon on Sparkling Major (Major Vaquero).

In both the Intermediate Open and Limited Open Divisions, Jordan Larson is sitting first and second with a 218.50 on DA Chics Tune, owned by George and Cindy McKinzie, and 217 riding Tejana Whiz, owned by Terri Hunger

Competition in the Open Divisions continues again Thursday morning at 8 a.m. in the main arena of the Great Southwest Equestrian Center. There are about 60 open horses still to compete. Twenty five horses in the Open and twenty in the Limited and Intermediate Open will then advance to the Finals on Saturday.

The National Reining Breeders Classic is the most successful stallion incentive program in reining history. In just five years, the NRBC has grown to include over 240 subscribed stallions and the payout at this year's show is expected to near $900,000. For information on the NRBC, visit the web site at www.nrbc.com or call 580-759-3939.